The Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), Vusal Gasimli, met with William Tompson, Head of the Eurasia Division of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Daniel Kvadbek, Head of the Eastern Europe and South Caucasus Section.

During the meeting, Vusal Gasimli emphasized the importance of expanding mutual cooperation in the areas of Azerbaijan’s economic reforms and development priorities. The discussion focused on strengthening strategic collaboration in the application of international best practices to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital transformation, tax reforms, and corporate governance.

The parties also exchanged views on the strategic documents adopted by Azerbaijan in support of economic diversification, including the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” and the “Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022–2026.” Vusal Gasimli provided detailed information about the country’s progress in digital services, the integration of SMEs into foreign markets, and digital platforms facilitating this process — particularly the “Azexport” portal operated by CAERC.

William Tompson highlighted the importance of issues such as corporate governance of state-owned enterprises, development of the financial sector, trade and transport connectivity in Azerbaijan. He underlined that studies conducted in areas such as SME development, economic diversification, digital transformation, financial instruments for SMEs, regional connectivity, infrastructure projects, and international cooperation are of great importance for Azerbaijan.

The sides exchanged views on future cooperation directions and discussed potential joint initiatives in specific areas.

At the end of the meeting, guests were presented with the book “The Middle Corridor,” jointly prepared and published by CAERC in partnership with the OECD.